At PaintedFigs, we’ve been fortunate to work with a wide variety of Warhammer 40k painting commissions over the years. Whether it’s custom Warhammer 40k models, hand-painted miniatures, or intricate terrain pieces, we’ve enjoyed helping bring these projects to life. Our approach isn’t just about putting paint on models; we aim to help enhance the overall storytelling experience of the game. From custom Warhammer 40k miniatures that represent iconic characters to detailed terrain that sets the stage for epic battles, each project offers us a chance to take part in something bigger than ourselves.

While we do our best to meet the high standards expected in the Warhammer 40k community, it’s really the passion of our clients that pushes us to improve. The creative ideas they bring to the table often challenge us in ways we hadn’t considered before. Blending techniques like model conversions, custom paint jobs, or large-scale dioramas isn’t something we shy away from, and we’re always open to new ideas. We like to think of our work as a collaboration—a way to merge the client’s vision with our experience.

Of course, we can’t pretend we’re doing anything revolutionary. There are many skilled painters and crafters out there, and we’ve been lucky to find a niche where we can contribute in our own way. What keeps us going is the simple joy of watching a project come together, step by step. Turning a blank model into something vibrant and unique, or building custom terrain that makes a battlefield feel more immersive, is incredibly satisfying. When clients share their excitement upon receiving their miniatures, it’s a great reminder of why we do this work.

At the end of the day, PaintedFigs is here to help you with your Warhammer 40k painting projects, whether you need a single figure or an entire army. We’re grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to offer custom-crafted miniatures and terrains. There’s always something new to learn, and each commission brings its own unique challenges, which we welcome with open arms.

1. Large-Scale Warhammer 40k Army Painting Project: Night Goblins and Gloomspite Gitz

One of the most memorable and unique Warhammer 40k painting commissions we received was an order centered around the ever-mischievous Night Goblins and the chaotic Gloomspite Gitz. This project was not only exciting because of the characters involved, but it also marked one of the first times we incorporated 3D printing into our custom basing work. The result was a dynamic and immersive set of miniatures that reflected the unpredictable and wild nature of the Gloomspite Gitz, while elevating our craftsmanship to a new level.

When we first received this order, we knew it was going to be special. The client had a clear vision in mind—one that required attention to detail and a unique approach to the basing that would bring these miniatures to life. With Night Goblins and Gloomspite Gitz, the challenge was to create bases that reflected their chaotic, subterranean environment. The client requested custom basing that would not only complement the figures but also set the stage for their unruly nature.

Incorporating 3D Printing: A New Dimension in Custom Basing

What made this particular project stand out was the introduction of 3D printing into our workflow. While we’ve always prided ourselves on our ability to craft intricate bases using traditional methods, this was one of the first times we used 3D-printed elements to truly take the basing to the next level. For this commission, we designed and printed small, detailed mushrooms—an iconic element for the Gloomspite Gitz. These mushrooms, printed at varying sizes and textures, were scattered across the bases to give them an authentic, organic feel that resonated with the lore of the Gitz. This addition helped bring out the whimsical yet dangerous nature of the Night Goblins, as these mushrooms are often linked to their erratic behavior and connection to underground caves.

By using 3D printing, we were able to achieve a level of precision and consistency that hand-sculpting couldn’t provide. The mushrooms, along with other small details, fit seamlessly into the overall design of the base. This not only made the miniatures look more cohesive but also provided a glimpse into the chaotic underground world that the Night Goblins inhabit.

Elevating the Terrain: Custom Basing with Rocks and Dirt

While the 3D-printed mushrooms were the star of the show, the basing needed more elements to create a dynamic environment for these figures. To further enhance the terrain, we incorporated pieces of rock and dirt, strategically placed to elevate the composition. This added texture and depth to the bases, making each figure appear as though they were truly navigating treacherous underground caverns or emerging from the shadows of a rock-strewn battlefield.

The incorporation of real-world elements such as rocks and dirt gave the bases a tactile quality that contrasted beautifully with the colorful, exaggerated features of the Gloomspite Gitz. Our team carefully positioned each piece of rock and dirt to create a sense of movement and storytelling. Some bases featured slopes and raised areas, giving the impression that the Goblins were perched on rocky ledges, ready to pounce on their enemies. Others were scattered with rough terrain, suggesting the chaos and unpredictability that these characters embody.

By mixing natural elements with our 3D-printed additions, we created a base that felt alive and immersive. The rocks and dirt were painted and weathered to match the eerie, subterranean environment of the Gitz, blending seamlessly with the miniatures' overall aesthetic. Our goal was to ensure that each base not only complemented the figures but also told a story—one of danger, mischief, and the ever-present threat of the Goblin horde.

Challenges and Solutions: Crafting Unique Bases for the Gloomspite Gitz

Every project comes with its challenges, and this one was no different. The primary challenge we faced was ensuring that the bases didn’t overwhelm the miniatures themselves. While we wanted to create something visually striking, we needed to strike a balance between the intricate details of the custom Warhammer 40k terrain and the features of the Night Goblins and Gitz.

To solve this, we carefully selected the color palette for the terrain, opting for earthy tones that would complement the vibrant colors of the miniatures without overshadowing them. The mushrooms, though detailed and prominent, were painted in muted tones with subtle highlights to keep the focus on the miniatures while still adding character to the base. We also used techniques such as dry brushing and washes to bring out the texture of the rocks and dirt, giving the base a more realistic and grounded appearance.

This attention to balance ensured that the bases enhanced, rather than detracted from, the overall look of the miniatures. The client was thrilled with the final result, as the custom bases added a new layer of depth and immersion to their Warhammer 40k collection.

A Final Look: The Impact of Custom Basing

In the end, this project became a standout commission not only because of the subject matter—Night Goblins and Gloomspite Gitz are fan favorites—but also because it pushed us to innovate. By integrating 3D printing into our custom Warhammer 40k miniature commissions, we opened up new possibilities for future projects. The combination of 3D-printed elements, natural textures, and meticulous painting elevated the basing to an entirely new level, creating a cohesive and visually stunning set of miniatures.At PaintedFigs, we take pride in our ability to rise to the challenge, and this commission was no exception. The collaboration of traditional crafting techniques with modern 3D printing technology allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Warhammer 40k painting and custom miniature basing. We look forward to continuing to bring our clients' visions to life with the same passion and creativity, one custom project at a time.

2. The Massive Ultramarines Army Commission: A Marathon of Painting and Crafting

One of the largest Warhammer 40k painting commissions we've ever taken on at PaintedFigs was an impressive and sprawling Ultramarines army for a client named Joe. This project stood out not only for its sheer scale but also for the challenge it posed in terms of maintaining consistency across so many miniatures. At times, it felt like we had the entire Ultramarines catalog from Games Workshop right there on our table, and the amount of time and effort that went into it was monumental.

The Scale of the Ultramarines Army

The order encompassed everything from rank-and-file Space Marines to iconic Ultramarine characters and vehicles. We were tasked with painting a wide array of units, including Tactical Squads, Devastators, Assault Marines, and an impressive collection of Primaris Marines. The project also featured a number of vehicles such as Rhinos, Land Raiders, and Dreadnoughts. And, of course, the collection wouldn’t be complete without Ultramarines legends like Roboute Guilliman, whose intricate armor and regal presence required particular attention to detail.

The Ultramarines are known for their pristine blue armor, gold accents, and overall disciplined aesthetic, which is one of the hallmarks of the Warhammer 40k Ultramarines faction. Maintaining that level of detail across such a vast number of models required an immense amount of coordination, precision, and focus from our team.

Challenges and Solutions in Large-Scale Painting

One of the most significant challenges in this commission was ensuring that every single miniature maintained the same level of quality and consistency. With a project this size, it's easy to lose sight of the details, but at PaintedFigs, we pride ourselves on treating every model—whether it's a Tactical Marine or a revered Chapter Master—with the same level of care and attention.

To manage this, our team developed a workflow that allowed us to break the project down into manageable parts. We grouped the miniatures by type and applied custom Warhammer 40k paint jobs in phases. For example, all Tactical Squads were primed, base-coated, and shaded in a consistent order, allowing us to keep the entire force looking uniform. Each figure's iconic blue armor was airbrushed for smooth transitions, while the gold trims were hand-painted with precision to ensure every detail was perfect.

When it came to character models like Roboute Guilliman and other Ultramarine heroes, we shifted gears to focus on the intricate details that make these figures stand out on the battlefield.

Painting Vehicles and Large Models

Vehicles like Rhinos and Dreadnoughts presented their own challenges. The large, flat surfaces of these models can be difficult to work with, as they require a different approach to shading and highlighting than smaller infantry models. We used airbrushing techniques to apply smooth, gradient highlights to the vehicles, ensuring they had depth and texture. The weathering effects were carefully added, showing wear and tear in a realistic manner without overpowering the clean, disciplined look that the Ultramarines are known for.

The Land Raiders and Dreadnoughts, in particular, were highlights of this commission. Their large size allowed us to play with additional details, like battle damage, scorch marks from weapons, and the glowing blue energy of their power systems. These added details helped make the models feel like they were fresh from the battlefield, giving the entire army a sense of realism and immersion.

The Impact of Scale on Craftsmanship

The sheer scale of this project was a true test of our team’s endurance and skill. A large-scale commission like this one isn’t just about painting; it’s about maintaining a high level of craftsmanship across hundreds of models, all while working efficiently. The client was particularly impressed with how well the entire army came together, noting that the consistency of the paint jobs—from the smallest infantry to the largest vehicles—made the collection feel like a unified force, ready to take on any challenge in the Warhammer 40k universe.

At PaintedFigs, projects like this remind us why we love what we do. Seeing the entire Ultramarines army fully painted and ready for the tabletop was a deeply satisfying moment for our team. The hard work, long hours, and dedication to maintaining quality across every model paid off when we saw the final product, and it was clear that the client shared our excitement. Commissions like these push us to innovate and refine our processes, and we look forward to taking on even more large-scale challenges in the future.

This Ultramarines army commission stands as one of the largest and most rewarding projects we’ve completed, proving once again that no matter the size or complexity of the order, our team at PaintedFigs is ready to rise to the occasion. Whether it's a single character or an entire army, we bring the same level of passion and expertise to every project.

3. Stormcast Eternals: Elevated Basing with Natural Appeal

One of the most creative and visually striking commissions we've undertaken at PaintedFigs involved a group of Stormcast Eternals for a client named Justin. This project was unique not only because of the iconic nature of the Stormcast Eternals from the Age of Sigmar universe but also because of the specific, elevated basing style the client requested. The challenge was to make these mighty warriors of Sigmar stand out even more by creating custom bases that lifted the miniatures physically while making the terrain look natural and appealing.

The Vision: Elevated Bases with a Natural Look

When the client approached us with his vision for the Stormcast Eternals, it was clear that the basing would be one of the key features of this project. Rather than opting for standard, flat bases, he wanted the miniatures elevated, creating the impression that these towering warriors were standing on rocky outcrops or battle-scarred high ground. This would require not only technical precision but also a keen eye for balance and composition to ensure that the miniatures would remain stable while looking dynamic.

The Stormcast Eternals are already visually imposing figures, with their gleaming armor and powerful stances, but by elevating them on custom bases, we could enhance their majestic presence. The client wanted the bases to have a natural look, reflecting the rugged and mystical environments that the Age of Sigmar is known for. To achieve this, we decided to incorporate elements like rocky terrain, grass tufts, and subtle earthy textures to ground the models in a realistic yet fantastical setting.

Crafting the Bases: Elevation with Stability and Style

Creating elevated bases that not only looked good but also offered stability for the miniatures required a thoughtful approach. Each base was built up with layers of material to create different levels of elevation. We used cork, foam, and resin rocks to form the foundations of the terrain, carefully crafting the right angles and slopes to give the illusion that the Stormcast Eternals were standing on elevated ground without making the figures top-heavy or unstable.

Once the terrain was sculpted, our painters worked on bringing it to life with a carefully chosen color palette. The rocks were painted in natural hues of gray and brown, with subtle highlights and shadows to add depth and realism. To create the look of weathered stone, we used dry brushing techniques to highlight the edges and give the bases a sense of age and texture. This was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the custom Stormcast Eternals aesthetic, which blends otherworldly power with a connection to the natural and mystical realms of Age of Sigmar.

Adding the Final Touch: Tuft Planting and Natural Elements

One of the defining features of this project was the addition of grass tufts and natural elements that made the elevated terrain feel alive. To achieve this, we hand-placed a variety of tufts in different sizes and shades of green, giving the bases a lush, overgrown appearance that contrasted beautifully with the stark, rocky foundations. This added a sense of dynamism to the bases, as if the Stormcast Eternals were standing on ancient, battle-worn ground reclaimed by nature.

We were careful to place the tufts strategically, ensuring that they didn’t overwhelm the base or the miniature itself. Some tufts were placed in cracks between rocks, while others were arranged to look as though they were growing from the edges of cliffs. This created a harmonious blend between the harsh, rocky terrain and the softer, organic elements, giving the bases a more natural and realistic appearance.

Our team also added small details like patches of dirt, moss, and even tiny flowers to further enhance the natural aesthetic. These subtle touches brought the bases to life and gave the client exactly what he had envisioned: a set of custom Stormcast Eternals miniatures that not only looked powerful but also seemed grounded in the rich, mythic world of Age of Sigmar.

A Standout Commission: The Impact of Unique Basing

The final result of this commission was a set of Stormcast Eternals that truly stood out. The elevated bases gave the miniatures a towering, majestic appearance, while the natural elements added depth and realism that enhanced the overall presentation. The client was thrilled with the outcome, noting that the elevated bases helped the miniatures command attention on the tabletop, adding a new layer of immersion to his Age of Sigmar games.

This project was a perfect example of how custom basing can dramatically transform miniatures and elevate (literally and figuratively) their impact. At PaintedFigs, we love working on unique commissions like this one, where we can experiment with creative basing techniques and use a combination of craftsmanship, painting, and nature-inspired elements to bring our clients' visions to life.

Through projects like these, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Warhammer 40k painting and basing. Whether it’s creating elevated bases for Stormcast Eternals or designing custom terrain for an entire army, we’re always up for the challenge of making each project as unique and immersive as possible.

4. Chaos Knights: Skulls, Chains, and Blood-Soaked Gore

One of the most visually striking and hands-on commissions we've ever taken on at PaintedFigs was for a client named Spencer. This project involved a fearsome set of Chaos Knights, a staple of the Warhammer 40k universe’s most malevolent forces. What set this commission apart was the very specific vision the client had for his Chaos Knights—a vision filled with skulls, chains, and plenty of blood and gore. It was a unique and demanding project that required a lot of hands-on work from our crafting team to bring it to life, but the end result was one of the most menacing and powerful displays of Chaos we’ve ever had the pleasure of working on.

The Client's Vision: Skulls and Chains

From the beginning, it was clear that Spencer had a vivid idea of how he wanted his Chaos Knights to look. Along with the miniatures, he sent us packs of skulls and chains that he wanted integrated into the models. These additions weren’t just afterthoughts; they were essential elements of the overall aesthetic, designed to make the Chaos Knights look even more imposing and terrifying on the battlefield.

The skulls were used primarily as attachments to the knights themselves. Most of them had a wall of skulls on their shoulderpad, creating a macabre display that truly emphasized the ruthless and merciless nature of the Chaos Knights. The chains were wrapped around their armor, weapons, and mounts, adding a sense of weight and brutality to the figures.

Our custom Warhammer 40k miniature painting and crafting team took great care to ensure that these elements were seamlessly integrated into the models. We wanted the skulls and chains to look like they were part of the original sculpts, not just tacked on. This required careful placement, detailed sculpting, and a lot of creative thinking to make sure that everything fit together naturally and added to the overall effect.

Adding Blood and Gore: Bringing the Chaos Knights to Life

One of the defining features of this commission was the addition of blood and gore to the Chaos Knights. Spencer wanted these models to look like they had just stepped off the battlefield, covered in the blood of their enemies. This wasn’t just a simple paint job—this was about creating a visceral, intense effect that truly captured the essence of Chaos in Warhammer 40k.

To achieve this, we used a combination of painting techniques and custom effects to create the appearance of fresh, dripping blood on the knights' weapons, armor, and mounts. We used a special blend of red paints, gloss varnishes, and texture mediums to give the blood a realistic, wet look. The blood was carefully applied to key areas, such as the edges of weapons, the front of the knights' armor, and the hooves of their mounts, to make it look like they had recently charged through their enemies.

In addition to the blood effects, we also added elements of gore, such as torn flesh and chunks of bone, to some of the models. These were subtly incorporated into the overall design, ensuring that the models remained visually cohesive while still delivering that brutal, chaotic feel that Chaos Knights are known for.

Crafting Challenges and Solutions

This commission presented a number of unique challenges for our crafting team. The addition of external elements like chains and skulls required a lot of manual work to ensure that everything was properly attached and didn’t disrupt the balance or appearance of the miniatures. We had to carefully position the chains so that they wrapped naturally around the knights and their mounts, avoiding awkward angles or unnatural placements.

The skulls, too, required precision. Whether they were dangling from chains, mounted on spikes, or lying on the ground, each skull needed to be placed in a way that made sense within the context of the figure's pose and overall design. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the placement of each element felt intentional and contributed to the atmosphere of the models.

A Project That Pushed Boundaries

The final result of this project was nothing short of spectacular. The Chaos Knights, covered in blood and wrapped in chains, looked every bit the terrifying force of destruction that the client envisioned. The addition of skulls and gore made these figures stand out even more, giving them a unique, personalized touch that reflected the essence of the Chaos faction in Warhammer 40k.

This commission was a true test of our team's abilities, pushing the boundaries of what we could achieve in terms of both painting and crafting. It required meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a lot of hands-on work, but the result was one of the most memorable and impactful projects we’ve ever completed.

At PaintedFigs, we take pride in our ability to bring our clients' visions to life, no matter how challenging or unique they may be. This Chaos Knights commission was a perfect example of how we can take a detailed, ambitious concept and turn it into reality, delivering custom-painted and crafted miniatures that are truly one-of-a-kind.

5. Grey Knights: Cracked Ice Basing and NMM Blades

One of the most intricate and creative commissions we had the pleasure of working on at PaintedFigs was for a client named Alexander Gardiner. This project involved painting and crafting a set of Grey Knights, one of the most iconic factions in Games Workshop's Warhammer 40k universe. Known for their psychic abilities, powerful armor, and anti-Chaos weaponry, the Grey Knights are a symbol of purity and strength. What made this project unique was the client's specific request for two distinct features: a basing effect that looked like cracked ice and the use of the Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) painting style for the knights' weapons. The combination of these elements presented a unique challenge, but it also allowed us to create something truly remarkable.

Creating the Cracked Ice Basing Effect

The basing for this commission was one of the most memorable aspects of the project. The client envisioned the Grey Knights standing on frozen, battle-scarred terrain, with their bases resembling cracked ice. After some brainstorming, we decided on a method that would create a realistic cracked ice effect: using phone screens. We sourced a bulk order of cheap phone screens, which we carefully cracked to create the desired texture.

Once we had the cracked screens, the next step was to integrate them into the bases. Each screen had to be broken and arranged in such a way that it mimicked the natural cracking of ice, with jagged, irregular patterns. Our team then carefully placed the pieces of broken glass onto the bases, ensuring they fit seamlessly around the models and didn’t interfere with their stability.

With the glass in place, the next step was to paint and highlight the cracks to give them the icy look the client wanted. We used a combination of cool blues, whites, and subtle purples to create the appearance of frosty, transparent ice. Careful dry brushing and layering techniques were used to enhance the depth and texture of the cracks, making them appear as though they were glowing faintly with the cold. The result was a striking and realistic frozen battlefield that provided the perfect contrast to the Grey Knights' gleaming armor.

NMM Blades: A Masterclass in Precision Painting

In addition to the cracked ice basing, the client requested that the blades of the Grey Knights be painted using the Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) technique. NMM is a highly advanced painting technique used to create the illusion of metal without actually using metallic paints. This effect relies on careful blending of colors, highlights, and shadows to give the appearance of reflective metal surfaces.

The Grey Knights' weapons, particularly their iconic Nemesis force swords, needed to appear as though they were made from gleaming steel, but without the use of traditional metallic paints. Achieving this required careful planning and execution. Each blade was base-coated in shades of grey and blue, and then gradually built up with layers of lighter colors to simulate the reflective surfaces of real metal.

The trickiest part of NMM is getting the highlights and shadows in just the right spots to mimic how light would naturally reflect off a real metal blade. This involved using sharp transitions between light and dark areas to create the illusion of a reflective, polished surface. The final step involved glazing the blades with subtle blues and purples to tie them into the cold, icy aesthetic of the overall army.

The NMM technique is labor-intensive, but the end result is worth it. The Grey Knights' swords looked like they were forged from ethereal steel, perfectly complementing their otherworldly, psychic nature. The non-metallic blades stood out beautifully against the cold, cracked ice bases, creating a visual harmony that captured the essence of these elite warriors.

Challenges and Crafting Solutions

The cracked ice basing and NMM blades were undoubtedly the most challenging aspects of this commission, but they were also what made the project so rewarding. Working with broken phone screens required careful handling to avoid injury and ensure that each piece of glass fit perfectly on the bases. Integrating these delicate materials into a sturdy base also required precise use of adhesives and creative problem-solving.

As for the NMM painting, it required a steady hand and a deep understanding of color theory and light reflection. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that each weapon was painted to perfection, with smooth transitions and sharp contrasts that gave the illusion of real metal.

The Final Result: Grey Knights on an Icy Battlefield

The final result was nothing short of stunning. The Grey Knights, with their polished armor and ethereal blades, stood triumphantly on their cracked ice bases, creating a powerful visual narrative. The client was thrilled with the outcome, noting how the custom basing and detailed NMM blades added a new dimension to his army, making them look even more imposing and otherworldly.

This project was a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into every commission at PaintedFigs. Whether it's using unconventional materials like phone screens for basing or mastering advanced painting techniques like Non-Metallic Metal, we are always up for the challenge of bringing our clients' visions to life. The Grey Knights commission was a perfect example of how a unique approach to basing and painting can elevate a set of miniatures, turning them into a truly immersive and striking display.

Conclusion

At PaintedFigs, working on these unique Warhammer 40k painting commissions has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. Each project brought its own set of challenges, from crafting intricate custom Warhammer 40k models to experimenting with unconventional materials and techniques to bring clients' creative visions to life. Whether it was the striking detail of blood-soaked Chaos Knights, the ice-covered bases for Grey Knights, or the majestic elevation of Stormcast Eternals, every commission allowed us to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with Warhammer 40k painting and crafting.

What made each of these commissions so special was the opportunity to dive into the personalized and imaginative ideas our clients brought to the table. At PaintedFigs, we take pride in our ability to translate these ideas into reality through our Warhammer 40k crafting services. From hand-painted Warhammer 40k miniatures to creating unique bases and custom Warhammer 40k terrain, the goal is always to deliver a final product that goes above and beyond expectations.

The fun of these projects comes from the hands-on nature of the work, whether it's custom Warhammer 40k miniature painting, converting models, or developing one-of-a-kind Warhammer 40k custom paint jobs. Each project presents new opportunities for creativity and craftsmanship, and we love the satisfaction that comes from seeing these projects evolve from initial concept to finished masterpiece.

At PaintedFigs, we are always eager to take on new Warhammer 40k diorama commissions, custom army builds, and unique Warhammer 40k commissions that challenge us to innovate and grow as professional Warhammer 40k painters. Our commitment to delivering high-quality Warhammer 40k paint jobs and our willingness to embrace new ideas ensures that we can bring even the most complex projects to life with precision and passion.

If you're looking for a team that can take your vision and make it a reality, PaintedFigs is here to help. Whether it's a single model or a massive army, we’re ready to take on your next Warhammer 40k painting project and create something truly extraordinary.